His whole body began to itch, and at first he brushed it off as a simple allergy. But when the symptoms worsened, doctors confirmed something far more specific: urticaria—a condition that affects nearly 1 in 5 people at some point in their lives.
Urticaria causes intensely itchy, raised patches on the skin called weals or hives. These welts can be round, ring-shaped, or merge together into larger areas. They often flare up after scratching and can appear anywhere on the body.
This reaction occurs when mast cells in the body release histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream. The result is fluid leaking from tiny blood vessels under the skin, creating those swollen, red welts.
While the hives themselves typically fade within 24 hours, the underlying condition may take much longer to resolve.
Urticaria is often accompanied by angio-oedema—a deeper swelling under the skin that commonly affects the lips, eyelids, hands, or the inside of the mouth. Unlike hives, these swellings can last longer and tend to feel painful rather than itchy.
If angio-oedema occurs without any hives, doctors may suspect hereditary angio-oedema, a separate genetic condition that requires different testing and treatment.
Types of Urticaria
Depending on how long the symptoms last, urticaria is classified into several categories:
Acute Urticaria The most common form. It usually has an identifiable trigger and lasts up to six weeks.
Chronic Urticaria Breakouts persist for more than six weeks, often without a clear cause.
Physical Urticaria Triggered by direct physical factors such as scratching, cold exposure, pressure on the skin, sunlight, or increases in body temperature.
Common triggers include allergic reactions, viral or bacterial infections, certain medications, and even emotional stress.
Treatment and When to Seek Help
Most hives disappear on their own within a day and don’t require treatment. However, when symptoms continue or become uncomfortable, doctors may prescribe:
Antihistamines
Steroid tablets
Menthol creams to reduce itching
People with allergies are more prone to developing hives. They may also occur when you’re exposed to something you didn’t know you were allergic to—such as foods, pollen, medications, or environmental triggers.
When your body is fighting an illness or under stress, it can become more sensitive, making hives easier to trigger.
